Singer Alicia Keys performed and spoke at Whitney Houston's funeral about the woman she called "Mema," singing "Send Me and Angel." Photo: Reuters

American R&B singer Alicia Keys gave a short eulogy and performed her song Send Me an Angel during Whitney Houston's funeral service on Feb. 18, 2012. Keys, who was close friends with Houston, spoke about their relationship, noting that they even had special names for one another.

We came up with this one nickname for each other, Mema, Keys said, wiping at her own eyes with a tissue. She called me Mema and whenever I'd text her, I'd say 'Hey Mema!'

Keys continued describing Houston, saying, The way she crept into everybody's heart, the way she was a beautiful human being who would call you for no reason at all. That's rare ... I feel like she reached back to so many people, to me, to Monica, Brandy and Jordan, all these beautiful young artists. Made us feel strong capable and loved ... She's an angel to us, and a beautiful human being. I think we've been sent an angel for a long time.

Alicia Keys then sang Send Me an Angel, her single from 2010, which was originally titled Prelude to a Kiss and released on her 2007 album As I Am, while playing a grand piano.

Send Me an Angel Lyrics:

Sometimes I feel like I don't belong anywhere It's gonna take so long for me to get to somewhere

Sometimes I feel so heavy hearted But I can't explain cause I'm so guarded But that's a lonely road to travel And a heavy load to bear

And it's a long, long way to heaven But I gotta get there... Can you send an angel? Can you send an angel?

Cause I don't wanna feel Like a dove with no wings And I don't wanna know What a heart of stone sings

But that's a lonely road to travel And a heavy load to bear And it's a long, long way to heaven But I gotta get there

Can you send an angel? Can you send me an angel? Please send me an angel Can you send me an angel?